Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Oxford | Sectors: Low Carbon, Heritage, Education, Healthcare
Employment Type: Full-Time
Overview
We are seeking a Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join a well-established, independent building services consultancy in Oxford. This is a senior role offering the opportunity to lead mechanical design projects, influence sustainable strategies, and mentor junior engineers across heritage, education, healthcare, and commercial sectors.
The Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer will work on technically complex, low-carbon projects, delivering HVAC, hot/cold water, and energy-efficient solutions from RIBA Stage 2 through to handover.

Key Responsibilities

Lead mechanical design of building services systems, including HVAC, hot/cold water, and sustainable strategies
Oversee production of technical documentation, drawings (AutoCAD/Revit), and specifications
Collaborate with clients, architects, and internal teams to deliver energy-efficient and technically robust solutions
Apply building physics and performance analysis where relevant to inform design decisions
Attend site visits, manage design coordination, and support construction activities
Mentor junior engineers, fostering knowledge sharing and technical growth
At Principal level: influence fee proposals, resourcing, and client development
Ensure compliance with UK regulations, CIBSE standards, and low-carbon design principles
Candidate Profile

Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services
6+ years of consultancy experience delivering mechanical building services design
Strong experience across education, healthcare, commercial, or heritage projects
Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, IES, Hevacomp, or similar design software
Excellent communication, coordination, and project management skills
Chartered (CEng/MCIBSE) or working toward chartership preferred
Proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to sustainable, high-quality design
Why Join Us

Competitive salary: £55,000–£70,000 (DOE)
Flexible/hybrid working, 25+ days holiday, private healthcare, cycle-to-work scheme
Exposure to varied, high-profile projects including listed buildings and modern low-energy campuses
Support for professional growth: chartership, leadership development, and career progression to Associate and beyond
Collaborative team culture with low staff turnover and a focus on technical excellence
This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead impactful, sustainable projects. Join us as a Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer and shape low-carbon, heritage-focused solutions while advancing your career in a supportive, technically driven environment
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed